Fujifilm X-T100 Review – Quality on a budget

Here we go again. These Fujifilm camera first look reviews has become quite the theme for me, apparently. I do wish that I would get more time to update the blog with other stuff than Fujifilm releasing a new camera, but it’s just the way my life is at the moment. I’m shooting more and more film these days, and I need to finish my analogue section of the site to start uploading those shots. You can always tag along over on instagram.com/jonas.rask for the daily photography updates.

Anyway! My blogging insufficiencies cast aside, let’s focus on the topic at hand shall we. Fujifilm today announced a brand new line of cameras – The Fujifilm X-T100.

Disclaimer 1:
I’m a Fujifilm ambassador. I get early access to products for testing purposes. My opinions are my own, but they’re as biased as they come since I love Fujifilm. However I’m a grown up, I make my money as a doctor, and I have no reason whatever to lay it on thick. If you cannot see through that, there are probably other sites that will provide you with info. But while you’re here, why not have a look at the images 😉

Disclaimer 2:
All shots in this post has been taken by me using early X-T100 prototypes. IQ might not be final in comparison to the production models. Productshots where taken by me using the Fujifilm GFX

The new X-T100 is a new entry level model similar to the X-A5, but in a slew of new colours, with a built-in EVF as well as a new LCD screen that can do all sorts of new acrobatics. It looks amazing, and it actually feels really good in everyday use, even for a guy like me who are used to using the top of the line products from Fujifilm. This is definitely luxury on a budget.

X-T100 – XF18-135mm

I have been using this camera extensively over the course of the last 2 months. Firstly, I have been shooting the editorial-packshots, secondly I have been shooting almost all of the images for the camera brochure. (Download at Fujifilm.com or view here) Hence I have been dragging all three colours of the camera around, with various lenses attached and shooting everything I come across. So to say that I have thoroughly tested these small cameras would be an understatement.

Chania old Venetian harbour is a sight (X-T100 & XF18-135mm)A garbage bin as a tripod. The X-T100 is small and handy (X-T100 & XF18mm)Colors are glorious with this camera (X-T100 & XF18-135mm)

There are 3 obvious things about the X-T100 that differs from what I usually shoot with.

1. First and foremost it doesn’t have the X-Trans sensor like all my other X-series cameras excluding the GFX. That makes it a lot more easy for Lightroom to handle the files. I can’t say that I notice much difference in file quality. But it definitely is there. The dreaded “worms” artefacts are nowhere to be seen when I pixel peep the RAW files in lightroom, so I guess that is definitely a Lightroom/X-Trans combo phenomenon.

2. Secondly it has a PSAM dial. I havn’t used one of those since I used the X30 a while back. But the X-T100 adds two completely customisable top plate-dials, that can be set to almost anything. So while using this camera, I found myself putting the PSAM dial to “M” for Manual, and then setting one top dial as ISO, and the other as Shutter Speed. Quick and easy. It allows me to shoot this camera in the exact same way as I shoot my other X-series cameras.

3. The new acrobatic tilt screen. This screen flips all the way to the left of the camera (right when you’re looking at it in selfie-mode, which is obviously what this feature was made for). It’s completely new for Fujifilm to offer this screen. While it’s a complete gimmick for me, I do know that the majority of the potential buyers of this camera will appreciate it a lot. (The X-A5 has a screen that flips across the top of the camera, so the selfie screen isn’t an entirely new concept for Fujifilm)

Flippy-tilty-screen thingy

Build and Feel

Since I’m the guy shooting all the gear-porn promo material for Fujifilm, this is obviously one of the things that I value more than the average user. Fact of the matter is, if it feels good to use, and it looks so good that you want to take it with you – then you shoot more images in interesting places, and in terms you get better images. So looks does matter if you ask me.

So how does it look, and what does it feel like, Jonas? Well. It looks and feels goddamn gorgeous and luxurious, thats what it does!
Fujifilm launched the X-T100 in 3 different colours. Black, Graphite and Champagne Gold.
The Graphite is just like the X-Pro2 Graphite, whereas the champagne gold is reminiscent of the old Fuji T-X1 and Contax G-series. It looks absolutely cool. And it actually attracts a fair bit of attention in todays camera market. These cameras definitely begs to be taken off the shelves when you see them at the store.

The top plates and dials are made from metal, and the colours are coated on there using anodising techniques. It is quite sturdy, and during my testing they proved to be very sturdy and durable.

You have a built in flash in the “faux mirror box” – and unlike the XT20 this pop up flash feel nicely dampened and very sturdy. The switch is located just under the left hand side topdial. On the right hand side, you have the PSAM dial and the other unlabelled dial as well as the unthreaded shutter release an Fn button and a movie record button. On the back there’s a “coin slot” selector wheel and a Q menu button as well as the usual array of buttons incl. a 4-way selector pad. There’s no joystick-knob as on the higher end models.

X-T100 – XF35mm f/1.4

The LCD tilt screen is a touch screen and you have swipe gestures for easy shortcuts etc etc. All very cool and very up to todays standard. It’s very easy and handy when selecting a filmsimulation and you can scroll through. It works really well and it’s nice and responsive.
The camera comes without a finger grip attached, but you can attach one if you wish. At the time of writing I do not know if Fujifilm decides to offer different size options, but it would definitely be cool if they did.

The size of the camera is just right. Small and handy! I took most of the test images on my holiday in Greece, and as a small travel camera this thing is great. It’s small, inconspicuous, and doesn’t way anything in your daily walk around backpack.

Image Quality and Features

For the complete list of specs, I’m going to refer you to the complete features list on Fujifilm-x.com. It’s stupid for me to list them all here.

As I mentioned a bit further up, the sensor is a standard Bayer array 24.3 MP sensor. X-Trans has been controversial for along time. Extra sharpness and lack of moiré on cost of muddy foliage and worm details at high contrast scenes. I, personally, like X-Trans. I have worked with those files for 5 years, and my workflow is now optimised for that sensor. The only exclusion from this is when I work with my GFX files, but that requires a completely different mindset altogether.

X-T100 – XC15-45mm

With this bayer sensor, I found that the RAW files react the same way to my post-processing as my X-trans files do. I noticed no moire, I noticed no worms, and foliage looks good. So if you’re used to dealing with X-Trans, this sensor won’t give you the need to redefine your workflow.

Fujifilm included all their film simulations except for Acros, and obviously Eterna. This is due to processing limitations. I know this is an entrylevel camera, but I would have LOVED for it to have Acros, but you cannot have it all.
Fujifilm packed everything they could into this little body, given the current processor that they use in their entry level cameras. This unfortunately means that 4K video is only possible in 15fps. This makes this camera less than ideal for that kind of hi-res movie shooting, but in 1080p you get more- as well as higher framerate choices.

Autofocus is ok. Again, compared to the top of the line products, it’s not that fast. But it is very precise. You have spot AF, Zone AF and full frame AF zones. It works well, just like on the more expensive products. Its not a sports camera, but it will capture running horses and running children, which is good enough for me.

X-T100 – XF50mm f/2

As most entry level shooters, the camera is packed with automatisation tools. The most prominent is the AI-like SR+ – This feature is so good if you want to hand the camera to inexperienced hands such as children or less camerapedia-minded people. The camera adjusts everything, and you get great well exposed images in every imaginable condition. Obviously I never use that function, except for demonstration purposes, but my kids definitely use it. You also have different modes for landscapes, portraits, night time etc. All work very well, albeit in jpeg output only. To be honest, I rarely stuck the camera on anything other than M or A mode.

Final thoughts

It’s always a cool moment for me when I open the brown box from Fujifilm to reveal whatever they want me to photograph. Sometimes I’m more enthused than others by the sheer look of the product. This was one of those instances. When I first saw the design, and the new colorscheme I was already impressed. Having handled the camera and shot an entire brochure with it, I have to say this camera really surprised me in a positive way. A perfect camera for the family. To share moments, and have some good old photography fun in a VERY nice looking package. It has a real premium feel to it. Much more so than many of the other entry level cameras I’ve handled. The X-T100 is a really nice addition to the Fujifilm lineup for sure.

Samples

As usual all my samples have been post processed to my liking, but if you want my images SOOC you can check out the product samples page on Fujifilm.com where you can find high-resolution sample shots that hasn’t seen any post-processing.
For now, here’s a big mix of images taken with the X-T100 during the course of the last couple of months.Make sure to click the images to go to the gallery. There you can see exif data etc. 🙂

Like this:

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65 thoughts on “Fujifilm X-T100 Review – Quality on a budget”

What an incredible piece of industrial design. Its remarkable how sleek it looks with modern and with old glass, almost as if the x-t100 was made for Contax G lenses. Speaking of which, which adapter are you using for Contax G, and how do you manage to focus when adapted?
Keep up the wonderful work!

Read above:
„As usual all my samples have been post processed to my liking, but if you want my images SOOC you can check out the product samples page on Fujifilm.com where you can find high-resolution sample shots that hasn’t seen any post-processing.“

Perfect as usual, composition, light, topic.
However, as I am fun of blog I look here very often, I see that these pictures are different. I don’t know if that is matter of colors, contrast or new processing approach. But they are different. In fact I like them very much.
Can you share this little secret? 🙂

Well written article and excellent shots as always Jonas. I’ve been using Fuji for 2 years now (XT1 and XT10). I think this camera will fill a niche for Fuji and can be seen as a response to Canon increasing its presence in the mirrorless market. They do have to be careful of product churning I feel and not just release cameras for the sake of it. The line needs to be better defined and explained by them I think. This is a positive release to tempt people away from Canon, Nikon, Sony.

Somehow colors and sharpness looks more pleasant to me than they are in my X-Trans X-T10. I have hope that next gen cameras will also have WR as a standard. Now I am not considering to buy another camera without it.

Excellent review, but… Wow. Even better photos. You should be really proud of those, Jonas. Greece is a beautiful place and the light and land there definitely are easy to photograph, but some of these shots are just fantastic. Wondering if you’ll ever make a post about your editing process? (Forgive me if you have done so already!)

This X-T100 comes with the same sensor as the X-A5, but without an AA-Filter for sharp(er) images.
I do really love the Design of the X-T100, it does look even a bit better than the X-T20. 😉 Only the X-T2 is better, atm.

Too sad, there isn’t a Lens Turbo II for C/Y to Fuji X Mount being avialable.

C/Y means Contax/Yashica, which is my fave Lens Mount, because i do shoot since the analogue days, and guess which System… 😉 Contax Yashica, whereas i do have some decent Lenses for.

Negative, for EF, i do have my EOS 5D (Original) and with some native EF-Lenses. EF Lenses are AF, not MF, like Minolta MD, Contax Zeiss, Yashica YUS, DSB & ML Series, or Minolta MD, for instance. Canon dropped their manual Focus FD Mount into early 1987, when they’ve had introduced the Canon EOS System, together with the Canon EOS 650 Body, and some EF Lenses.

Hi drew.
i do have a decent EF – C/Y Adapter. 😉 And Fotodiox isn’t that good in terms of Quality.
The Problem is, there is no decent split-screen focusing screen for my 5D to use it with manual focus lenses.
Anyway, i use them mostly on my A7 with focus peaking feature.
I’d get a X-T100 next year as “grab & go” and everything being with me camera, therefore its perfect for the task.
Currently, i have a V1 Nikon with PD 10-30 for this.

Wow how great were those shots? The cafe(?) on the steps with the green car bonnet was my favorite. I saw one landscape has 230mm in the data. Was that taken on my much maligned 50-230? I hope some of the features eventually make their way to my xt20 particularly the focus stacking and 100fps…

Gorgeous photos and great review. Curious if you had any comments on the size compared to an X-T20? I’m really interested in a camera to throw in my (larger) pockets with a 27 pancake – but I think this is a bit too large.

What are those optional grips shown on one of the photos—third party or Fujifilm prototypes? They seem to have some sort of a bolt on them, like Olympus PEN grips. Basically my question is where can I get one of those?

The Grip is included, as being seen into the YT preview videos from today. 🙂
I would really like to have the Graphite Version, it does look that nice. My self-build rig is from 2014 (Xeon Quad 3.2GHz i7 based, 16GB) and with Iridient X Transformer quite slow to process X-Trans Files….sure, they’re great, but a Bayer Sensor with ordinary CFA and no AA Filter into this design, for this price is a steal. Sony did it onto the FF-Sensor Segment with their A7 III as “basic” Model für 2 Grand, and now Fujifilm defines the “basic” camera of 2018 in terms of quality, materials & features for just 600 Bucks as their “basic” camera with EVF. Well done, Fujifilm! 😉

Are you good with computers?
I use darktable with opencl turned on on a computer way weaker than yours and it flies through my xtrans files because the hard work is done by my Radeon 460 graphics card. Available for Linux, Mac, windows, though it ruins the fastest for me in Linux.

yes i am ! I do built up my PC rigs myself, since i was 12 – now being 43, all clear? 😉 and i am using DT on my Linux rig since 0.3x.
I do have 3 self build PCs, but currently using only the Win machine for PS and Picture Post Processing & Edit, mostly. My Linux Rig is for surfing the net, online banking, and sometimes GIMP & DT. 😉

Awesome, we have a very similar background! OpenCL made a huge difference to my DT run times, after checking my info with `darktable -d opencl` I was able to confirm and set it up in Linux. Probably still faster with Bayer but not as painful with Xtrans anymore. The Windows build does not seem as mature yet but fingers crossed we can activate OpenCL soon! Either way, no AA filter on the T100 is quite intriguing, although I’m wondering if I would miss the configurable buttons, seems like it does not allow changing button functions, just like the A series.

Apparently Fuji has released their 3, 456, 677 camera that WILL NOT TAKE ANY MACRO SHOTS, WITH A STANDARD LENS.
“well, you can get within 18 inches.”
Excellent, perfect, and fantastic.
Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony, are THRILLED TO KNOW IT.

Buy 11 or 16mm of air in an extension tube, and your problem is solved 😉 Since the problem is with the lenses, why blame the camera? Besides, the XF 80mm is a 1:1 macro and you can throw a 1.4x or 2.0x after it – and the extension tube…

Great review without all the typical tech mambo. I think all cameras today can be used professionally including mobile phones so I don’t understand the ‘entry level’ term except to justify the price and for marketing needs. I am looking into purchasing a smaller camera to replace my FF Canon and I don’t see why the T100 won’t be a great option. As long as there are manual options and a view finder it’s just as shooting with a film camera.

Just right! If you want gear freaks, or bashing of Brand xyz, because brand xy is better, head over to DPReview Forum. 😉
I do like my 5D way much, but would prefer also something smaller, so i’d save my pennies and get the X-T100 into graphie, err, dark silver….it does look amazing, and for just 100 bucks more, the XC 15-45 is way much value. it does cost 300 alone, and from the test samples and crops into the DPR forum, it’s better than the current XC 16-50, which isn’t a bad lens after all.

Jonas. A great practical review as per usual. I have just returned from the Pelopennese and so nice to be reminded of the colours.
I upgraded my X100 to the X100F and love the upgrade. BUT I loved the images on the X100 when I got them! In other words …I did not upgrade for the x trans.
For me adjusting the top dials as you have … would give me the feel of my XT1 without the complexities of the Xtrans …so for me this may well suit as the perfect travel camera!

thanks for this very nice review. I do have a question, what would you say about the OLED-based Viewfinder? How’s the actual life span? Because, organic LED (OLED) tech isn’t that long-term stable like ordinary LEDs…they’re loosing brightness, intensity over the time, years…so this camera would look not the same, like into some years later…in terms of the OLED-based EVF….the same goes for the Sony A7 Series…these EVFs are also OLED based….

I´m in love with this more modern (not so retro) and minimalistic approach. These two gorgeous, volumetric blank dials appear to me as a huge innovation in camera design, both aesthetically and funcional, as it will permit multiple action configurations for the same just two elements, as a great exercise of digital and analog integration, and in line with what other brands like Bang Olufsen does with its products.

Are you as optimistic as me about its usability, or you just feel this solution as more or less equal, or even inferior to the marked dials in the X-T20, X-T2 etc?

Thanks, a grat review indeed. I have just a question regarding the sensor. Some reviews state that the AA-Filter is missing due to the higher pixel count, others state that this camera is a regular Bayer Pattern Sensor with AAFilter. Is there any verification for either one of these informations? The Fuji Page doesn’t write anything about it.

We bought the X-T100 as a camera for my wife, as a replacement for her aging X-E1. She prefers having everything automatic, so SR+ mode it is 🙂 The only question she has (and I have as well) is whether it’s possible to disable the pre-AF in SR+ mode … it makes the camera pretty nervous (with the 27mm) and it probably reduces battery life as well.

Jonas, thanks for the great review. I have a question. I’m a seasoned photographer who wants to purchase my first Fuji camera. I am only interested in picture quality, and have no interest in video or any other bells or whistles. I will be using old manual lenses as well. Its down to either the XT100 or a used X-T1. Which camera will give me better IQ? Thanks so much, Bill